Riley Powers scored three goals, completing the hat trick with a perfectly placed 23-yard boot into the top left corner of the net to help power Newtown High School’s girls’ soccer team to a 5-1 victory over visiting Naugatuck at Blue & Gold Stadium on a sunny September 11 afternoon.

Newtown led 2-1 at the half and pulled away following the intermission. After Powers made it 3-1 early in the second half, Bella Gerace knocked home a bouncer with a well-placed kick, and Ella Moritz finished the scoring with 12-plus minutes to play. Katie Rowan’s blast was deflected by Naugatuck’s goalkeeper off the cross bar to set up the final tally.

Joey Libero, Powers, Kendall Morgenstern, and Rowan had assists.

“Riley is one of the best players in the South-West Conference and quickly becoming one of the best players in the state,” Newtown Coach Marc Kenney said.

Kenney added that Rowan and Powers worked well together to create chances. Rowan assisted Powers’ third net-finder.

Lauren Jacobs, Hannah Snayd, Elena Sughrue, Ally McCarthy, and Ally Bradley provided tight defense and limited Naugatuck’s chances.

“There was a miscommunication on the only Naugatuck goal, but the group knew they made a mistake and discussed how to ensure it will not happen again. They have so much maturity back there,” Kenney said.

Newtown’s coach was pleased with the scoring outburst and marking down a win in game one, but far from satisfied.

“I’m happy with the result,” said Kenney, adding that he sees some things to work on.

“We do a good job of playing in small groups — three or four. We need to play in groups of ten or 11,” Kenney said.

Newtown returned to action with a home game against SWC opponent Brookfield, at Treadwell Park, on September 14. The Nighthawks lost 3-1; Ella Mortis scored the lone Newtown goal.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.